[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 133 (Friday, September 9, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1585-E1586]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   100TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAINT GEORGE SERBIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF EAST 
                                CHICAGO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 9, 2011

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm 
that I congratulate Saint George Serbian Orthodox Church as its 
congregation joins together in celebration of its 100th Anniversary. 
The congregation, along with Parish Priest, Reverend Aleksandar Savic, 
and Parish President, Mr. Svetko Balach, will be celebrating this 
momentous milestone with a celebratory reception on Sunday, October 2, 
2011, at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, Indiana.
   Saint George Serbian Orthodox Church of East Chicago, Indiana was 
established on October 30, 1911, when a small group of immigrants from 
Serbia joined together with the goal of preserving Serbian culture and 
religious tradition. That same year, they obtained the services of a 
full time priest, elected their first executive board, and began 
construction of their church. The church dedication ceremony took place 
on Saint George's Day, May 6, 1912. Many of the Serbian families 
sacrificed and gave of their time to assist in building this tremendous 
place of worship. The church continued to grow and in the 1920s a small 
hall and the parish house were built on the church property. In 1949, 
construction began on a new banquet hall/social center which was 
completed a year later. Saint George Serbian Orthodox Church became the 
second Serbian church in Indiana following the church built in South 
Bend; and is the fourth oldest original Serbian Orthodox Church in the 
United States in which services continue to be held.
   During its existence, Saint George Serbian Orthodox Church Parish 
experienced many changes as its membership grew. These changes were not 
only physical changes within the parish itself but also a religious 
schism within the Serbian Orthodox Church that affected its followers. 
In 1963, a decision from Belgrade regarding the church structure 
resulted in years of turmoil that divided Serbian Americans and the 
Serbian Orthodox Church into two groups. Some members of the church in 
East Chicago left and went on to build a new church in Northwest 
Indiana. In 1992, the church reunified and what remained from the 
division were many churches throughout the area spreading Serbian 
Orthodoxy. Today the Serbian Orthodox Church remains one of the 
greatest assets for East Chicago.
  Saint George Serbian Orthodox Church continues to touch the lives of 
countless individuals through its compassionate service, especially to 
those in need. Over the years, the church has come to the aid of 
Serbian immigrants by providing food, shelter and assistance in finding 
employment. The church auxiliary group, Circle of Serbian Sisters, 
along with three other Serbian parishes in Northwest Indiana holds an 
annual fundraiser called Mothers Against Hunger. This event raises tens 
of thousands of dollars for Serbian orphans in the former Yugoslavia.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in honoring

[[Page E1586]]

and congratulating the Saint George Serbian Orthodox Church of East 
Chicago, Indiana on its 100th Anniversary. Throughout many hardships 
and trials, the members of Saint George have dedicated themselves to 
preserving Serbian heritage, tradition, and spiritual beliefs. For 
their commitment to serving so many in need, the church leaders and 
congregation are to be admired and are worthy of the highest praise.

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